Used in hair care products, especially permanent wave solutions and hair straighteners, where it breaks disulfide bonds in keratin to reshape hair structure. Also employed in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and as a reducing agent in organic chemistry. Commonly found in depilatory creams for hair removal due to its ability to weaken hair proteins. Used in metal cleaning and electroplating processes for its chelating and reducing properties. Applied in polymer chemistry as a chain transfer agent to control molecular weight during polymerization.

Additionally, utilized in analytical laboratories to reduce heavy metals or prepare samples prior to analysis with various techniques.